Notes From My Church-2/24/07
PLACE: Lakewood Church-Houston, Tx
Joel Osteen, Pastor
DATE: Saturday, February 27, 2007
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
THE MUSIC: Praise and worship was led by Cindy Ratcliffe Cruse, Steve Crawford and Israel Houghton this week. I had a chance to ask about D’adra and Steve said she should be back soon. It started with audience favorites “Trading My Sorrows”, Hillsong’s “The Freedom We Know” and “Sweeter”. Cindy was wonderful, as usual, singing lead on Sonicflood’s “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever”. Next up was “Your Love”, “Draw Me Close” and Kirk Franklin’s “Brighter Day.”
The last song was “Thou O Lord” sung beautifully by the choir. The lyrics of this song are simple but so meaningful. The choir was absolutely wonderful with this one, the harmonies were on point and the band blended in perfectly. The chorus reminds us that God goes before us and protects us. He is our shield and the one who gives us the strength to stand tall.
Thou, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My Glory and the lifter of my head,
Thou, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My Glory and the lifter of my head.
THE MESSAGE:
Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:11, 2 Kings 5
Subject: Divine Connections
Sermon Synopsis: Pastor Joel spoke this week on being a person of faith and waiting for God to put people in your life to make your dreams come true. He said you don’t have to live a life of frustration because you think you don’t know the people needed for your dreams to come to pass. Stay in faith and God will put divine connections in your life. Pastor Joel said to remember that God is in control and to stop worrying and trying to force things to happen. Don’t be manipulative. Trust God to bring you the divine connections you need.
He said he asks God to bring the right people into his life and to weed out those who shouldn’t be there. Listen to the still, small voice deep inside you to determine the people you should be acquainted with. If you don’t feel good about something or someone, it is not that God wants to hold you back, it could be that it is not the right path for you at the time. Because spirits are transferable, we should watch who we associate with. If you hang around people who are jealous or unkind that will rub off on you. We become like the people we hang around.
Don’t overlook the insignificant people in your life. God uses everyone regardless of skin color or social standing. If you want get divine connections you have to be a divine connection. Pay attention to the people in your life. Ask yourself how you can be of help and encouragement.
Pastor Joel reminded everyone that God has a plan for each of our lives. All it takes is one touch of God’s favor for our lives to change. One touch of God’s favor can do more for us than what we could do in a lifetime. Our destiny is connected to others, but God has all the right people lined up. Believe that God is in control of your life and stay faithful that He has the right people for the right time.
**Of course, this is only a very short summary of Pastor Joel’s sermon. To get the full effect you can watch this service and other archived services at http://www.lakewood.cc/ or http://www.joelosteen.com/.
THE ATMOSPHERE: One of our local news channels stated that Lakewood is the most diversified church in America. This fact is one of the reasons I love Lakewood. It is awesome to go to a church where just about every ethnic group is represented. It is reflected in every area of the church, from the choir to children’s church to the administrative staff.
When asked how the diversification happened, Pastor Joel stated that they did not have an answer for it. He said it started with his father and it just continues today. He said that maybe people just sense the love of God. Whatever the reason, I hope continues. It is impacting our city and the nation in a positive way.
……..and that is what happened in my church this week. What was it like in your church this week? The entire universe is filled with God’s love and grace. We would love to hear about your church service. Post a comment or e-mail me at dominique@1800gospel.com and tell us all about the music, the message and the atmosphere at your church.
Dominique
